Podcast: The Grand 1894 Opera House: 130 Years of Performance & Preservation

The Grand 1894 Opera House was a beacon of hope for Galveston.

Arts and entertainment have been an essential part of building communities for centuries. Galveston, a Gulf Coast hub for entertainment, is home to The Grand 1894 Opera House, the State Opera House of Texas.

The Grand 1894 Opera House has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Galveston, as well as historic theaters across the country. The Grand has hosted a myriad of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts, and continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.

This Grand Opera House has always been a destination for theater enthusiasts, drawing in audiences from all over to witness some of the most spectacular performances of the era, from Anna Pavlova to Ray Charles, from the Beach Boys to Willie Nelson, and from Liza Minnelli to James Earl Jones. These iconic names have graced The Grand 1894 Opera House stage.

As The Grand approaches its 130th season in 2025, it continues to stand as a testament to the enduring love of the arts in Galveston. For generations, The Grand 1894 Opera House has stood as a cornerstone of downtown Galveston. Not just as a historic venue but as a catalyst for cultural and economic revitalization, drawing tourists and locals alike.

The Grand is the oldest continually operating opera house in the state of Texas, built by local businessmen striving to have the finest opera house in the state. This opera house has been a cultural hub in the community since the late 19th century; it is not only a significant cultural landmark in Texas but also holds a significant place in American theater.

The Grand was not the first opera house in Galveston. Some of the earliest venues date back to the 1830s. By 1871, the city of Galveston became home to Texas' first actual opera venue, the Tremont Opera House, that building still stands on the southeast corner of 23rd and Market Street.

By the 1890s, after 20 years of booming economic growth on the island, it was clear that the city needed a larger space for performances. So in 1894, the manager of the Tremont Opera House, Mr. Henry Greenwall, spearheaded the effort to raise $100,000 to build The Grand Opera House. Astonishingly, the money was raised in one day and was made up of donations by local businessmen. Adjusted for inflation, this would be over 3.5 million today.

Constructed on Post Office Street in the Central Business District, the Stage of The Grand was the largest in Texas and boasted the most modern features. The Grand Opera House was designed by artist and architect Frank Cox, who also painted the beautiful stage curtain for the theater. A similar rendition of that stage curtain is proudly displayed in The Grand today. And I cannot forget to mention the unique lighting system.

The Grand was built with gas and electric lighting to ensure reliability, as electricity had only been around for a few years. The stage specifically used only electric lighting to help prevent accidental fires from gas lamps. Opening night was January 3rd, 1895. Marie Wainwright was the star performer in a drama called Daughters of Eve.

Galveston's high society flocked to the show, and the first night's performance was completely sold out. Tickets for this opening show ranged from 25 cents to 1. 50, depending on your seat, of course. And adjusting for inflation, the most expensive seat would be roughly $56, with the cheap seats coming in at around $9. One local newspaper covered the opening night, calling those in the audience both "critical and fashionable". The newspaper also stated that they "made up the beauty, chivalry, and intelligence of the leading city in Texas."

The Grand was initially designed to seat over 1600 people, but modern audience members are given a little more elbow room. We are talking about Texas in the late 1800s. When the Opera House first opened, Black Galvestonians were not barred from The Grand but were only allowed to sit on one side of the upper balcony areas. Today, The Grand 1894 Opera House seats just over a thousand people. While its early years reflected the segregated realities of its time, The Grand has since transformed into a symbol of inclusivity and unity.

From the moment it opened its doors in January 1895, The Grand Opera House was the place to be for the most sought-after acts. In the 1890s, Galveston was on an economic high note and was experiencing a boom in population, and had a growing desire for entertainment. The Grand was the centerpiece of this cultural movement. Serving as a gathering place for the community to enjoy the arts, the theater's architecture, a Romanesque revival style, is a striking example of Victorian theater architecture. This style, characterized by its grandeur and ornate details, was popular during the late 19th century and is a testament to the cultural and artistic aspirations of the time.

The Grand has seen its share of remarkable moments, from the dazzling performances of Anna Pavlova and Ray Charles to the unusual spectacle of live horses and camels on stage. The Grand has weathered many storms, literally and figuratively. Throughout its long history, one of the most significant challenges was the devastating 1900 storm, which caused immense damage to Galveston and the Opera House. The hurricane's winds and rain ripped off the roof of The Grand, leaving it in ruins and out of commission. However, the community of Galveston rallied together in the face of disaster, working tirelessly to restore the beloved Opera House.

In the storm's aftermath, the people of Galveston came together to rebuild The Grand, and by October of 1901, just over a year after the storm, The Grand Opera House reopened its doors once again. The 1900 storm knocked off the cupola from the top of the opera house, one of the only features of the opera house to not be replaced after the storm.

As Galveston moved into the mid-20th century, things at The Grand weren't so grand. Galveston Island experienced a severe economic decline in the mid-1900s. And the theater suffered the same fate. The Grand underwent several transformations. This included being used as a vaudeville theater and a racially segregated movie theater. In 1924, The Grand was sold to Mr. Attilo Martini, who installed projectors and an organ to screen silent films, and until the 1970s, The Grand was used as a theater for all kinds of films.

A preservation movement began in Galveston, taking shape in the 1970s. The community once again stood tall in working to bring back a live performing arts venue that spoke to Galveston's rich history and culture. From the beginning of the preservation movement, Galvestonians had the vision to revitalize entertainment and the arts. In 1974, The Grand 1894 Opera House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and cultural significance to Galveston and Texas.

Between 1974 and 1990, eight million dollars was raised to restore the building. Support and funding came from individuals, the businesses and corporate community, local government, and, of course, generous local foundation support.

When you think of The Grand 1894 Opera House, you may not think of Motley Crue. The music video for the song, 'Without You', was filmed at The Grand in January of 1990, right after their nearby stop in Houston.

In 1993, the Texas legislature named The Grand the official Opera House of Texas.

Following the lead of those who repaired the opera house after the 1900 storm, on September 13th of 2008, the devastating Hurricane Ike struck Galveston and severely damaged the opera house. With only three months until the opening of its 114th season, the damage from the hurricane was repaired in only 92 days and on January 3rd, 2009, The Grand 1894 Opera House lived true to theater slogan, "the show must go on".

Preserving a historic venue in a coastal city like Galveston comes with its challenges. Over the years, the Grand has undergone extensive renovations to repair storm damage and the relentless effects of corrosive salt air, all to protect its historic legacy for future generations. Most recently, ongoing preservation efforts have ensured The Grand remains both a historic landmark and a modern venue for world-class performances.

Today, the design of the Opera House serves both as a reminder of the 19th-century grandeur and an enduring source of inspiration for its audiences. The front of the building is made up of stone, brick, and terracotta. As soon as you step through the arched entryway and past the ticket booth, your journey back in time begins. You're then met with a three-tiered lobby with absolutely stunning woodwork. The walls are finished with wainscoting made of longleaf redheart pine, which also forms the banisters and railings.

At the base of the grand staircase, a striking bronze statue of a woman holding a torch serves as a focal point. Inside the auditorium, the carpet features a pattern inspired by the colors and motifs found in the decorative curtain and ceiling stenciling, with roses and scrolls adorning the ceiling and opera boxes. The stage is framed by red velvet curtains, And the eight opera boxes are complemented by seats lined with luxurious blue velour. Your first time walking into the seating area is a jaw-dropping experience.

And the show has not even started yet. There is no seat in the theater further than 70 feet from the stage, leading every performance to be an intimate show. This opera house was designed before electronic amplification, meaning the slightest whisper on stage can be heard clearly from the very last row on the highest tier. There is no other theater in Texas like this one.

For the past few decades, The Grand's programming has gone beyond traditional theater and concerts, offering unique experiences such as children's opera and experimental performances. The Grand even features local film productions, welcoming audiences of all backgrounds to share in the beauty of the performing arts. This evolution reflects not only The Grand's growth but also the resilience and progress of the Galveston community.

The Grand 1894 Opera House is a survivor, surviving through the 1900 storm and every hurricane since, multiple pandemics, and even economic downturns. As The Grand approaches its 130th season in 2025, it continues to stand as a testament to the enduring love of the arts in Galveston. The Grand is a living reminder of Galveston's rich history and culture, and it has continued to be a vital part of the community, entertaining and inspiring audiences for well over a century.

Here's to The Grand. To another 130 years of historic preservation and entertainment.

The show must go on.